Abalone closure would leave divers and processors without surrender support, council says

Divers, processors and other businesses that depend on commercial abalone fishing would receive no share surrender payment under the NSW Government’s current plan, Bega Valley Shire Council says.

Councillors voted 6-2 to write to NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, asking her to review the support arrangements and consider delaying the planned Central Zone closure. Crs Daly and O’Neil opposed the motion, while Cr Allen was absent.

The voluntary share surrender program, announced by the NSW Government on 4 August, offers commercial abalone shareholders $6,355 for each share. The Central Zone extends from near Bundeena to Red Point, south of Eden, and is scheduled to close to commercial abalone fishing on 1 July 2027.

The council’s letter will ask Ms Moriarty to review the payment so it more reasonably reflects losses incurred by all affected people, including those who are not shareholders. It will also ask the minister to defer the surrender program and the closure until there has been genuine consultation with affected people and the Bega Valley community.

Councillors want the NSW Government to publish the stock assessment and other evidence used to set the 2026-27 total allowable catch and decide on the closure. They are also seeking the methodology used to calculate the $6,355 share valuation.

The resolution says fishery management should rely on the best available science and evidence, with a transparent process for the affected community. A copy of the letter will be sent to the Member for Bega, who will be asked to raise the concerns in the NSW Legislative Assembly.

Any response from the minister is to be reported back to council. The closure and support arrangements affect commercial fishers, seafood businesses and coastal communities around the Central Zone, including Eden.